Are You Living In The Flesh Or In The Spirit?

By Rev Goh Yong Kuang

Those who are in the flesh, cannot please God.

ROMANS 8:8 ESV

The word “flesh” is often used by the apostle to refer to human independence and self-effort. It represents a way of living, of trying to get things done by means of human strength; by focusing on what we can do instead of on what Christ has done and is doing through the Spirit.

The apostle Paul wrote…

“We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us.

We put no confidence in human effort.”

Philippians 3:3b (NLT)

What kind of person does God find pleasing? It is the one who is spirit-filled, spirit-led, spirit-empowered and spirit-controlled. No one can serve God in the flesh because the effort of the flesh is never pleasing to God. 

Everything that the apostle did in worship and service was done by the power of the Spirit. Without it, all his efforts and endeavors would have come to naught. Instead of displaying and showcasing his own wisdom and strength, the apostle had learned to let the Spirit express His life and power in and through him (Gal.2:20).

The Christian life is to be lived in the Spirit, not in the flesh.  Without the Spirit, it would be impossible to live the Christian life!

"The Christian life isn't difficult; it is impossible.

If we don't know that, we will try to do things ourselves.

Faith is not necessary when we think

we can do it ourselves…”

Joseph Garlingen

If you, like countless of others, are struggling to live the Christian life and fail – stop trying and start relying!

“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all.

The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.

John 6:63 ESV